Guannan Li – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Guannan Li is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Chinese Acupuncture & Natural Healing Clinic in North York, ON, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Guannan specializes in providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. His care approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with compassion and personalized attention.

Guannan Li completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2023). With over 1 year of dedicated practice since 2023, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest or further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. His practice philosophy emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being; a holistic approach views the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable (Holism); and he is dedicated to providing individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition. He offers consultations in English and Mandarin.

Guannan Li provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Natural and comprehensive solutions for combating persistent, debilitating tiredness, improving energy production, and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Differentiating the cause of dizziness (e.g., Meniere's disease support, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - BPPV support) from a TCM viewpoint and applying specific treatments to restore balance.

Dermatological Skin

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) & Dermatitis: Holistic care for eczema, focusing on reducing flare-ups and improving skin barrier function from a TCM perspective.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Allergic Skin Reactions: Natural relief from acute and chronic hives, aiming to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Dysfunction & Jaw Pain: Acupuncture and local soft tissue techniques to alleviate jaw pain, clicking, locking, and muscle tension associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing masticatory muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving local Qi and Blood flow.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Personalized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain sensitivity, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and restoring a better quality of life for those with fibromyalgia or widespread myofascial pain.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Guannan can assess your needs.

• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): A subtle and sophisticated TCM diagnostic technique requiring extensive training, used to understand the energetic state of your Zang-Fu organs and overall constitution.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Convenient and effective classical herbal formulations, often derived from famous ancient prescriptions, to complement your acupuncture treatment or as a standalone therapy for various health concerns.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Comprehensive assessment and prescription of individually tailored Chinese herbal formulas (raw herbs for decoction, granular extracts, powders, or pills) based on your specific TCM pattern diagnosis and constitution to address underlying imbalances and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. (Primarily within R.TCMP scope).
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Guannan, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Chinese Acupuncture & Natural Healing Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Guannan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Let Guannan help you navigate heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals with targeted TCM care. The goal is an enhanced overall quality of life and a greater capacity to enjoy daily activities and social engagements, so you can fully enjoy enjoying seasonal changes with fewer allergy flare-ups and more outdoor time and other life pleasures once more.
• Rediscover your ability to feeling well enough to consistently attend work or school without frequent sick days without the burden of skin problems like eczema, persistent acne, psoriasis, or unexplained hives. Guannan focuses on TCM treatment plans that lead to improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, integrating various therapeutic techniques to support your body's healing.
• Many find that TCM with Guannan not only helps with trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed but also brings about visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin, allowing for a more fulfilling engagement in engaging in mindful practices with a calmer and more centered state of mind.
• Experiencing managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably can be draining. Guannan utilizes acupuncture and other TCM methods to aim for enhanced fertility potential, optimized reproductive health, and better support during pregnancy and postpartum, so patients can re-engage with reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance) feeling revitalized.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Guannan, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Guannan practices at Chinese Acupuncture & Natural Healing Clinic, situated in a central location in the North York neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for clients to integrate their treatments into daily routines. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, the clinic offers a welcoming and serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually available nearby, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

What should I expect during my first Acupuncture or TCM appointment?

During your first visit, the Registered TCM Practitioner will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health concerns from a TCM perspective. This involves asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, overall health, daily routines, and emotional well-being. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as examining your tongue for its color, coating, and shape, and palpating your pulse at various positions on your wrists, are essential components. After assessing your condition and identifying your TCM pattern, he will explain his findings and propose a treatment strategy. This typically includes an acupuncture session during the first visit, and may also involve recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine (if within their scope), dietary adjustments, or other TCM therapies based on your individual needs.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by Ontario's public health insurance (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments by registered practitioners, so patients are encouraged to verify their individual plan details as coverage levels vary.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are extensively trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and health conditions. Self-prescribing herbs or purchasing from unreliable sources is strongly discouraged due to risks of incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions. R.TCMPs often source herbs from trusted suppliers that perform quality testing to ensure safety.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles at specific points on your body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance in the body's systems. It is effective for managing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep, and addressing various health issues by activating your body's self-healing mechanisms.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically access a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it is advisable to check your individual policy.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

TCM is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner diagnoses and treats imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang to promote harmony and health, addressing the root causes of illness.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and sterile. Most patients experience little to no discomfort, often feeling a dull ache, warmth, or tingling. Needles are single-use and safe when administered by a trained practitioner. Always communicate if you experience any discomfort during treatment.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body's meridians—channels that connect organs and tissues. Proper flow of Qi is essential for health; blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

Chinese Acupuncture & Natural Healing Clinic
4750 Yonge St Unit #316
North York, ON, M2N 0J6

Phone: (905) 883-8885

Guannan Li is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=ef9936b7-bdec-ec11-811b-005056a97495

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.